Recent review makes the case for testing omega-3 fatty acid levels in humans

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A recently published article commissioned by The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) reviewed the state of omega-3 fatty acid testing, highlighting the value of testing and the commercially available options for diagnostic testing. The study showcases the available evidence demonstrating the relationship between high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and the reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease, neurological dysfunction, and preterm birth, as well as preserving eye health. It also made the case that more testing of omega-3 fatty acid status.

“Seeing the overview of scientific evidence on omega-3 levels and health outcomes really gives you a sense of where the strongest evidence exists and where there might be gaps. A review like this will undoubtedly be invaluable during a discussion on dietary reference intakes for EPA/DHA,” said Harry B. Rice, PhD, GOED’s vice-president of regulatory & scientific affairs, in a press release.

Among the commercially available testing options included in the study were the Omega-3 Index from OmegaQuant, the Holman Omega-3 Test from Lipid Technologies, LLC, the OmegaCheck test, developed and validated by Cleveland HeartLab in conjunction with Nutrasource Diagnostics, Inc., and OmegaScore from Lipid Analytical Laboratories, Inc. According to the review’s authors, the Omega-3 Index was among the first omega-3 fatty acid tests offered to the public and clinical communities, and is available outside the U.S. via partner labs. The OmegaCheck test is also offered by third-party labs, including large labs such as Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp, who also have other fatty acid testing options.

The authors also note that not all analytical procedures for measuring fatty acids in blood have been extensively validated and that because some of these methodologies are proprietary, it can be difficult to compare results from trials that used different testing methods. However, some tests have more research underpinning them, such as the Omega-3 Index, which the authors say is the most widely used test with the largest evidence base.

The authors conclude: “Knowledge of a person’s [omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 LCPUFA) ] status may lead to greater efforts to increase fish and seafood (especially fatty fish) and EPA and DHA intakes as recommended by national and international guidelines. Because many people struggle with making dietary changes, fish oil or ω-3 LCPUFA supplementation could be a more attractive method to increase intake. As described herein, evaluating ω-3 LCPUFA status is a critical and necessary step in the process of striving to reap the potential health benefits of increasing ω-3 LCPUFA intake. This fact has been underappreciated by laypersons and the research community. Increased ω-3 LCPUFA status testing is expected to favorably impact personal and public health.”

Reference

1. Dicklin, M.R.; Anthony, J.C.; Winters, B.L.; Maki, K.C. ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Status Testing in Humans: A Narrative Review of Commercially Available Options. The Journal of Nutrition. 2024, 154 (5), 1487-1504. DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.03.015